Gerald Roberson isn’t afraid to make suggestions to his head coach. Ken Cribb, likewise, is all ears when his players offer input.

That openness is one reason the Bluffton High football team has remained on track despite a run of injuries to key players early this season.

Roberson, a returning starter at wing back, has replaced the injured B.J. Hill at super back the last two weeks and the Bobcats’ offense has played its best ball. He plans to man the position again in Friday’s homecoming game against James Island with Hill still recovering from a high ankle sprain.

“I’m more of a blocker and I don’t get the ball thrown to me as much,” Roberson said of the super back spot, in which he lines up behind quarterback Alex Davis. “I don’t get as many touches as I was getting before. It’s more of taking one for the team so we can win until B.J. gets back.”

The Bobcats (3-1) are 2-0 since the switch, having rallied for a 37-31 victory against A.C. Flora and won a 43-2 rout against Ridgeland-Hardeeville.

Veteran presence

Hill was injured on the first play of the season opener and Roberson said he suggested to Cribb the following week he move to super back, but Cribb decided to keep him at wing.

After a 23-20 loss at South Effingham, Bluffton’s second in its previous 24 regular-season games, Roberson went to his coach again. This time, Cribb agreed to the move.

Roberson took over in the middle of the backfield, flanked by wings Jae Middleton and Laquan Washington. Cribb said the lineup keeps his three best backs on the field and gives him a veteran player protecting the quarterback.

“He’s got more invested,” Cribb said of giving the nod to Roberson, a senior, over some talented underclassmen. “It’s going to mean more to him.”

DeQuandre Smalls, a freshman who got the start at South Effingham, remains in a deep backfield rotation that includes Dheazea Smalls. Hill is doubtful for this week, Cribb said, but he will soon give the Bobcats another senior option.

Six Bluffton players have rushed for touchdowns through the first four games.

Last season, a backfield of Roberson, Tykeem Major and Vinny Boni took almost all of the snaps with the starters.

“One of our main goals was to develop some depth and we’ve got a lot of players who have the ability to contribute,” Cribb said. “We make our living by sharing the wealth.”

Still banged up

Hill isn’t the only Bobcat who is doubtful for Friday’s non-region game. Senior defensive end K.J. Ford, who also spends some time in the Bluffton backfield, has a broken finger and senior guard Josh Darrell left the Ridgeland-Hardeeville game with a concussion.

Cribb said Ford and Darrell probably won’t play against James Island (1-3). Boni, a senior wide receiver who broke his collarbone last month, will not play.

Bluffton blew out James Island 50-10 last season and led by 33 points at halftime. Cribb said the Bobcats, who are more methodical on offense this season, don’t expect to start quite as fast Friday.

Region play is now on the horizon for the Bobcats, who are still trying to get healthy. After Friday’s homecoming festivities, they visit rival Hilton Head Island next week. Then comes a week off, followed by the SCHSL Region 8-AAAA opener Oct. 11 at Beaufort.

By then, Roberson expects to be back in his familiar spot on the wing. But if not, he said, he won’t complain.

“I don’t even think about it,” Roberson said of changing positions. “I don’t care. I put the team first.”

ON THE WEB

Go to blufftontoday.com to read about the Bluffton-James Island game Friday night. Follow sports editor Lawrence Conneff at @BlufftonSports for in-game updates.

BOBCAT RADIO

Listen to radio broadcasts of all Bluffton High home football games at bobcatradio.net. Bluffton Today sports editor Lawrence Conneff will join announcers Scott Beebe and Dale Butts for halftime analysis at each home game, including Friday’s matchup against James Island.

The broadcasts begin at 7:25 p.m. and also are available via the Spreaker smartphone application.

TICKETS ON SALE

Tickets for all Bluffton High varsity football games are on sale at Bluffton Pharmacy and Moe’s Southwest Grill on Malphrus Road. Admission is $7.

IF YOU GO

What: James Island at Bluffton (Homecoming)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bobcat Stadium

BHS HOMECOMING

Bluffton High is celebrating its 2013 homecoming this week. Check blufftontoday.com for coverage of the festivities, including Tuesday’s corn hole tournament.

Comments are welcome, so long as they are civil. A Facebook account is required. Abuse may result in the commenter being permanently blocked. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any comments at any time.